Transcript Chapter 1 - uob.edu.bh

Chapter 1
Introduction to
Computers
What Is a Computer?
• How is a computer defined?
– A computer is an electronic device that is operating under
the control of instructions stored in its own memory.
Accepts data
Raw facts, figures, and
symbols
Processes data into
information
Data that is organized,
meaningful, and useful
Produces and stores results
What Is a Computer?
• What is the Information Processing Cycle?
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Input
Process
Output
Storage
Communication
– Computers process data (input) into information
(output). A computer often holds data, information and
instructions in storage for future use. Some people refer
to the series of input, process, output and storage
activities as Information Processing Cycle.
The Components of a
Computer
• What is an input device?
– Input device is a hardware that is used to enter data and
instructions.
• Keyboard
• Scanners
• Microphone
• Camera
• Mouse
• WebCam
The Components of a
Computer
• What is an output device?
– Output device is a hardware that provides
information to one or more people.
• Printers
• Monitors
• Speakers
The Components of a Computer
• What is the system unit?
– System unit is a case that contains the electronic
components of the computer that are used to process
data.
The Components of a Computer
• What are two main components on the
motherboard?
Processor
Also called a Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The electronic component that interprets and carries
out the basic instructions that operate the computer
Memory
Consists of electronic components that store
instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by
those instructions
The Components of a Computer
• What is storage?
– Storage holds Information, Data and Instructions for future
use.
Storage media
Physical material on which data, instructions,
and information are stored
Storage device
Records and retrieves items to and from
storage media
The Components of a Computer
• What is a USB flash drive?
Portable storage device
Small and lightweight enough to be transported on a
keychain or in a pocket
The average USB flash drive can hold about 500 million
characters
The Components of a
Computer
• What is a hard disk?
– Most are housed inside the system unit.
– Provides greater storage capacity than a USB flash
drive.
– It can hold more than 100 billion characters.
– They are enclosed in an airtight sealed case.
The Components of a Computer
• What is a compact disc?
– Flat, round, portable metal disc with a plastic coating
• CD-ROM
• DVD-ROM
The Components of a
Computer
• What is a communications device?
– This device is a hardware component that
enables a computer to send and receive data,
instructions and information to and from one or
more computers.
– It occurs over cables, telephone lines, cellular
radio networks, satellites and other transmission
media.
Advantages & Disadvantages
of Using Computers
• What are the advantages of using
computers?
Speed
Reliability
Storage
Consistency
Communications
Advantages & Disadvantages
of Using Computers
• What are the disadvantages of using computers?
Violation of
Privacy
Impact on
Labor Force
Public Safety
Health Risks
Impact on
Environment
Computer Software
• What is software?
Consists of a series
of instructions that
tells the computer
what to do and
how to do it
Also called a
program
Computer Software
• What is a graphical user interface
(GUI)?
– Allows you to interact with the software
using text, graphics, and visual images
such as icons.
– Controls how you enter
data and instructions and
how the screen displays
information.
Computer Software
• What is system software?
Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer
and its devices.
• What is an Operating System?
Operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all
activities among computer hardware devices. E.x. Windows XP
• What is an Utility Software?
Utility Programs allow the user to perform maintenance-type
tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its
programs
Computer Software
•
What is application software?
Programs designed to make users more productive or assist
them with personal tasks. E.x. Web Browser
Word
Processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Presentation
Graphics
Computer Software
• What is a programmer?
– Programmer is a person
who writes the
instructions to direct the
computer to process data
into information.
– It is also someone who
develops application or
system software.
Installing and Running Programs
• Step 1:Installing- is a process of setting up
software to work with the computer, printer
and other hardware components.
• Step 2: Run- once the software is installed,
you can use or run it.
• Step 3: Use- once in the memory, the PC
can carry out or execute the instructions in
the program.
Categories of Computers
Personal Computers
(desktop)
Mobile Computers and
Mobile Devices
Game Consoles
Servers
Mainframes
Supercomputers
Embedded Computers
Personal Computers
What are the two most popular styles of
personal computers?

PC and compatibles
use the Windows
operating system

Apple Macintosh
usually uses the
Macintosh operating
system (Mac OS X)
Personal Computers
• What is a desktop computer?
– A desktop computer is designed so that all
of the components fit entirely on or under a
desk or table.
Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
• What is a notebook computer?
– A notebook is portable and small
enough to fit on your lap.
– It is also called a laptop computer.
– It is more expensive than a
desktop computer with equal
capabilities.
Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
• What is a Tablet PC?
– Tablet PC resembles
to a letter-sized slate.
– It allows you to write
on the screen using
a digital pen
– It is especially useful
for taking notes.
Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
• What are mobile devices?
Small enough to
carry in a pocket
Internet-enabled
telephone is a
“smart phone”
Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
• What is a handheld computer?
– Handheld computers are small enough to fit in
one hand
– It is usually used by mobile employees such as
meter readers and delivery people.
Mobile Computers and Mobile
Devices
• What is a personal digital assistant
(PDA)?
Provides personal organizer functions
Calendar
Appointment book
Address book
Calculator
Notepad
Mobile Computers & Mobile
Devices
• What are smart phones?
A smart phone is an Internetenabled telephone that usually
provides PDA capabilities
Game Consoles
Mobile computing device designed for single-player or
multiplayer video games
Servers
What types of servers are there?
A server controls access to network
resources and provides centralized
storage
Mainframe Very powerful,
expensive computer that supports
thousands of connected users
Supercomputer The fastest, most
powerful, most expensive
computer. Used for applications
requiring complex mathematical
calculations
Embedded Computers
• What is an embedded computer?
– It is a special purpose computer that functions
as a component in a larger product.
Elements of an Information
System
• What are information system elements?
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Hardware
Software
Data
People
Procedures
Examples of Computer Usage
• What software is available for a home user?
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Personal Finance Management – Excel, Word
Web Access - Website
Communications - Chat
Entertainment - Music
Examples of Computer Usage
•What software is available for a small
office/home office (SOHO) user?
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Productivity Software
Specialty Software
Web Usage
Email
Examples of Computer Usage
•What is available for a
mobile user?
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Hardware
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Notebook Computers
Tablet PCs
Software
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Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Presentation Graphics
Software
Examples of Computer Usage
• What are the needs of a power user?
– Speed and large amounts of storage
– Types of power users
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Engineers
Scientists
Architects
Desktop publishers
Graphic artists
Examples of Computer Usage
• What are the needs of the large business user?
– Payroll
– Inventory
– E-commerce
– Desktop Publishing
Computer Applications in
Society
•What are some examples
of computer applications
in society?
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Education
Finance
Government
Health Care
Science
Publishing
Travel
Manufacturing